April 2006 MOM Rhiannon

How did you get started in 3D Graphics? My interest
in 3D graphics began with Bryce 3D. I believe that was around 1996
or 1997, I'm not certain ... I do remember that it still belonged
to Metacreations at the time. I joined newsgroups, I scoured the
web for all the tutorials I could find, and there my journey began.
Sometime later I discovered Poser and I've been hooked ever since.
How long have you been working with 3D Graphics? I've
been working with 3D graphics for about 10 years now and I joined
Renderosity in April, 2000. I became a merchant around November of
2003. Do you have any formal training? Up until 9
months ago, I worked for the same company for 25 years. The most
recent position I held there was Web Architect. I've had formal
training in web design and development, Adobe Photoshop and
Illustrator, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash, and also
a bit of SQL. I've also had intensive training and experience with
e-mail communication technology and e-mail marketing. I was
fortunate that I was able to do many things that I enjoy in Web
Design and Development, but it eventually became much too boring
and mundane. So I decided to move more in the direction of 3D
graphics and design, etc. Now I work full time as a texture artist,
and I also do some freelance web design as well. I really love what
I'm doing now. What software do you use for product
development? I use Poser ProPack, Poser 5, and Poser 6, but
I prefer P5. I also use Deep Paint, UV Mapper, Injection Pose
Builder, Mat Pose Edit, and Quickmat. I use Adobe Photoshop to
develop skin textures, bodygloves, or any other textures that I do.
When I have to paint a lot, I like using Painter, the brush options
are wonderful. I have also been doing some modeling lately. I've
created some jewelry and a few other things, but I'm still learning
and I really enjoy it. When I really just wanna' have fun though, I
go play in Bryce ... it's my first love. :-) How much time is
required for product development? From start to finish,
including packaging and promos, testing, etc., I like to take at
least 1 week to 10 days (typically, 12 to 14 hour days), depending
on how complex the package is going to be, how much content is
included, and whether I'm required to learn any new techniques,
etc. Can you give a brief overview of your development cycle
for a new product? I begin by building a base texture, upon
which I will build the final skin. If I don't have a specific look
or theme in mind, I usually move ahead with defining and perfecting
the skin, and it simply unfolds as I move along. I don't normally
like working on a texture without a morph, and vice versa. For me,
they really drive each other, so I move back and forth between
perfecting the texture while developing a morph at the same time.
Then there are times when I know exactly what I'm going to do. For
example, with my character "Samara," I even had the name
picked out before I began, and I knew exactly how I wanted her to
look, the tattoos I wanted her to have, etc. Where does your
inspiration come from when developing new products? I'm
always browsing images in fashion magazines, fantasy art, posters,
etc. Sometimes I can just see a piece of jewelry or clothing that
inspires me in a particular creative direction. But without drive
and motivation, inspiration will only get you so far. For a large
part of my inspiration and especially motivation, I have to thank
my very close friend, Martin. He is the only reason I became a
merchant and has been right behind me, pushing me ever since.
Do you have any advice for aspiring Digital Content
Developers? Whatever you enjoy and makes you happy, just do
it! And do not give up just because you run into difficulty. Just
walk away for a while, and come back to it later. There are so many
talented people who have contributed to this community with
wonderful tutorials, so go and find them. Strive to learn something
new everyday, with the premise of always being original and unique,
and ask yourself "how can I do this better, faster, and more
efficiently?" In this way, you will have the very basis of
your own personal style that will develop as you grow and learn
more. How has Renderosity's on-line community played a role
in regards to your products, friendships and learning?
Renderosity is a fantastic place with many opportunities. It is
such a diverse community of people and talent. And I just can't say
enough about the Renderosity staff ... Debbie, Clint, Caroline,
Diana, Stacey, Jennifer and everyone at RO, I thank you for all
your hard work and support!! Do you have any final
words? First, I would like to take this opportunity to say
"thank you very much," to all my customers who support me
and appreciate my work. I can't tell you how much you all mean to
me. I'd also like to take this opportunity to dedicate this to my
teenage son, Buddy, for his love and support, and most of all, for
his patience with me over the years while I spent countless hours
sitting in front of a computer screen. I couldn't ask for a better
son, and I love you very much. I would like to thank you once again
Martin, for all that you've done for me. Here we are! You are THE
BEST sweetie, and I would not be here without you!! *LYL* Deb,
you're a true southern lady, a firecracker, and a very dear friend.
*BIG HUGS* Danie, you're one of the sweetest people I know, and
always willing to help me whenever I need it ... thank you so much
for all! *BIG HUGS* And a huge thanks to a group of very special
friends ... you are all so talented, you have all helped me along
the way, and I appreciate it more than you know! Gina (Cimerone),
Joan (Kinouk), Karen (Avalonne), Didi (didi_mc), Jill
(dtigerwoman), Orietta (luciferino), Alejandra (Vampir3Princess),
Jorge (Lesthat), Mari (mari_e17), Leah (Turtle), Nancy
(SophiaDeer), Rose (rjghise), Antje, and Bez. As always, thanks for
stopping by and blessings to all!
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